Plants

Biodanza is now in Washington DC Weekly Wednesday evenings Come dance with us! **Worried?** **Anxious?** **Nervous?** Step away from the stress and into your body. Biodanza is a joyful, heart-opening movement practice that reconnects you to what’s real: your breath, your body, your emotions — and each other. With music, guided movement, and simple human connection, Biodanza awakens vitality, lifts your mood, and reminds you of the joy of being alive. **What to Expect:** ✨ Uplifting music & guided movement ✨ Connection without words ✨ A welcoming, inclusive group ✨ No dance experience required **Reserve your spot or ask a question:** at [www.biodanzausa.com](http://www.biodanzausa.com) on the “Classes” page Wednesdays Weekly 7-9pm Venue: Peastreet yoga in Dupont area close to metro

**Please note that Go Gay DC is listing this exciting event as a community service, but is not running the event. Just go and have a fun time!** Important note: This particular dinner is a **casual attire** affair; formal black tie events are scheduled elsewhere. Register for this casual dress dinner on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988761170196?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. Do you want to go to fancy places like country clubs? This casual dinner is a chance for you to meet with members of the Washington, DC area chapter of Black Tie Club to learn about upcoming formal events. Dine with other gentlemen. Casual attire is perfectly fine. This dinner is open to gentlemen interested in learning more about Black Tie Club; it's expressly not a members-only event. Black Tie is a club for gay or bisexual men who enjoy gathering periodically for upscale events. **This casual dinner is open to gentlemen interested in learning more about Black Tie Club; it's not a members-only event.** Meet with members of the Washington, DC area chapter of Black Tie Club, as well as with invited guests and friends for our dinner @ Federico Ristorante Italiano (23rd Street Crystal City). Twenty gentlemen are expected. Federico serves authentic Italian cuisine, drinks, and decadent desserts. Separate checks. See the menu: [https://www.federicoristoranteitaliano.com/menu/dinner](https://www.federicoristoranteitaliano.com/menu/dinner) Metro Directions: Be eco-friendly. Crystal City Metro is the closest Metro stop. When you arrive, go out the station, walk towards your left to 18th Street and then veer right and walk under the Route 1 overpass to Eads St. Turn left and walk to 23rd Street. Turn right. Federico is up 23rd Street just a few doors up on the right. Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol is carded of course. Black Tie Club International is a private social club for gay gentlemen. With chapters in over 15 cities, our members enjoy mixing and mingling over cocktails, exquisite dinners, and delicious wines. The events may be formal or casual. Membership is by invitation only although guests are always welcome at events. The Metropolitan Washington, District of Columbia Chapter is celebrating its third decade as the premier social organization for accomplished, professional, and distinguished men in the District of Columbia, the Northern Virginia, and the Annapolis and Baltimore, Maryland areas. The Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Chapter began with 22 Members in 1998 and has now some 40 Members. The peripatetic nature of Black Tie Club International Members is evidenced by the fact that many D.C. Chapter Members are now found in other Chapters such as Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Palm Springs, and Rehoboth Beach-Lewes. The Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Chapter also has been enhanced by Members from other Chapters, notably, Atlanta, Dallas, Palm Beach, Palm Springs, San Antonio, San Francisco, and Toronto. Membership in Black Tie Club is by invitation only. [https://www.dcbtci.org](https://www.dcbtci.org) I [dcbtci.substack.com](https://dcbtci.substack.com) This event is being posted by Go Gay DC as a community service for those who don't know that the Black Tie Club exists. Go Gay DC is Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It now reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com) **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** is Go Gay DC's founder and will be at this dinner. Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc Go Gay DC is also on social media: Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC/](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC/) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC/](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC/) Follow on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ) Search tags: Gay or Bisexual Men

Regular biweekly walk to find the birds and sights of Lake Artemesia.

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/silver-spring-md/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/arlington-va/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

Mindful movement and flow: This class is a slower moving, strengthening and balance building practice based on mindfulness. We will bring our intentions to the awareness of our bodies and our breath in movement or in longer held poses. We will explore different breathing techniques that help clear out physical, emotional or mental energies allowing a sense of peace within. The session is offered InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Calling all foodies and gardening enthusiasts! Join us for an exclusive **Indoor Food Growing Learn**ing event where you'll get to taste fresh, live herbs while learning how to grow your own food indoors year-round. **Clift** will demonstrate how easy it is to grow more than **75 pounds of food** every year using **LED grow lights**—all from the comfort of your home. Whether you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, this event will show you how you can maximize small areas to grow delicious, pesticide-free produce. ### **What to Expect**: * **Live Herb Tasting**: Sample fresh herbs like basil, mint, and thyme, and discover their flavorful uses in your favorite dishes or drinks. * **Grow 75+ Pounds of Food**: Learn how you can grow your own fresh food year-round indoors with minimal setup. * **Indoor Gardening Benefits**: From saving on grocery bills to having pesticide-free herbs and vegetables at your fingertips, we’ll cover the perks of indoor gardening. ### **Why Attend?** * **Perfect for small spaces**—no backyard needed! * Gain expert tips on indoor gardening and sustainable food production. * A fun, engaging way to explore the benefits of fresh herbs and veggies for your meals. * Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about urban farming and sustainability. **How to Join**: Simply RSVP here to secure your spot! Visit **[indoorgardenmarket.com](https://iwantagreenthumb.com)** to learn more, and RSVP now for a fun afternoon of herbs, learning, and indoor gardening! Thank you, Clift --- Chief Community Grower at indoorgardenmarket.com

Montgomery County Psychedelic Society announces a Spring Potluck celebration. Bring a treat, a non-alcoholic beverage, or just yourself and join our community for a celebration of spring. Note - vending and sourcing are not permitted.

Let us meet up for a language exchange. We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. Also\, if you are a native speaker and would like to teach your language\, apply by email\, we are hiring\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

**This hike offers a great view and spring flowering bushes in the north district Shenandoah National Park. Floral highlights to be on the lookout for are the incredibly fragrant wild azalea and blooming a bit later, the pale pink to white, star-shaped clusters of mountain laurel. This 5 mile loop has about 1100 ft of elevation gain. We'll break at a viewpoint along the Appalachian Trail for snack/lunch. The trail is rocky in parts and there are small, mostly rock hop water crossings. We typically hike about 2.0 mph when moving. However, we leave no one behind and will move at a pace that is comfortable to all.** **Hike Route:** **https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/sugarloaf-loop-via-appalachian-trail** **RSVP:** **RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP (at least 2 days before the hike if possible) to open a spot for another hiker. This request applies to hikers on the Waitlist as well. RSVPs close at 6 PM the evening before the hike.** **Time to Meet:** **Please meet 15-20 min prior to hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in.** **Meeting Location/Parking:** **Meet at the Piney River parking area on Skyline Drive Milepost 22. Entrance is across the street from the Matthews Arm campground.** **GPS 38.75057, -78.29420** **Group Size:** **20 hikers** **Facilities:** **No restroom available at trailhead. A vault toilet is located at nearby Elkwallow picnic ground. Flush toilets at Elkwallow Wayside are only open when the Wayside is open.** **Park Admission:** **Park fee or pass. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm** **Contact Information****: Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The hike leader is Lisa Peterson.** **Hike Cancellation****: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates, minimally the evening before the hike.** **What to Bring:** **Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, medications, snacks/meal, insect repellent, sunscreen/protection from weather, and personal first aid. Trekking poles if you use them (especially helpful for stream crossings), sturdy hiking footwear and an extra pair of socks in case of wet feet.** **Please leave pets at home. Thanks!** **PATC** * **To find out more about PATC,** [click here](https://www.patc.net/)**.** * **Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join,** [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership)**.** **Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.**

Sara Su Jones, a professional violinist and native Esperanto speaker from Chicago, will present a free 45-minute concert with Tatyana Stepanova, pianist. She has invited us to meet with her immediately after the concert so we can all chat together in Esperanto! Washington Esperanto Meetup members who wish to extend the meetup will walk to a nearby restaurant for lunch. Sara Su Jones, profesia violonisto kaj denaska parolanto de Esperanto el Ĉikago, prezentos senpagan 45-minutan koncerton kun Tatyana Stepanova, pianisto. Ŝi invitas nin renkonti ŝin tuj post la koncerto por babili kune en Esperanto! Poste, tiuj membroj de Washington Esperanto Meetup kiuj deziras daŭrigi la renkontiĝon piediros al proksima restoracio por tagmanĝi kune. Additional details: Violinist Sara Su Jones and pianist Tatyana Stepanova present a free lunchtime recital (at 12:15 PM Eastern) in the heart of DC as part of the Music at Midday concert series at the beautiful, historic National City Christian Church. Free admission; freewill offering. Free parking at the church ([https://nationalcitycc.org/directions-parking/](https://nationalcitycc.org/directions-parking/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExRDhPOEdJcnhIT0NXaWxDbnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6M-u_x2tNkMbmPw31Ta0Ktq2_mM8uqmdWC3cxHL4afqAVf-lEz4oRb1S7-og_aem_iUjer5mw9thm3rVyA-LkzA)). Livestream: [https://youtube.com/@friendsofnationalcitychristian...](https://youtube.com/@friendsofnationalcitychristian?si=qnUXMPk1B1K7Q8Jt&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExRDhPOEdJcnhIT0NXaWxDbnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6M-u_x2tNkMbmPw31Ta0Ktq2_mM8uqmdWC3cxHL4afqAVf-lEz4oRb1S7-og_aem_iUjer5mw9thm3rVyA-LkzA) Program: Clara Schumann (1819–1896): Romances, op. 22 (1853) I. Andante molto III. Leidenschaftlich schnell Elena Kats-Chernin (b. 1957): Butterflying (2003), Slicked Back Tango (1995) Marguerite Canal (1890–1978): Lied (Song) (1913) Florence Price (1887–1953): Elfentanz (Elves’ Dance) (undated) Lili Boulanger (1893–1918): Nocturne (1911) Clarice Assad (b. 1978): Emotiva (2020) Cecile Chaminade (1857–1944): Capriccio, op. 18 (1890) Artist Bios: As duo partners for nearly two decades, Chicago-based violinist Sara Su Jones and Ukrainian-American pianist Tatyana Stepanova have given recitals at the Harvard Club of New York as well as in Reykjavik, Iceland; Washington, DC; and Andover, Massachusetts. Their Chicago-area appearances include the Driehaus Museum's Third Wednesday Concert Series, the Noonday Concert Series at Fourth Presbyterian Church, and the Charles Gates Dawes House, as well as sold-out concerts at Glessner House, the Cliff Dwellers Club, and Newberry Library. The duo has appeared multiple times on “Live from WFMT,” the flagship recital-and-conversation series of Chicago’s classical-music radio station. Their eclectic, creative programming often highlights striking but little-known works, and Sara Su’s insightful commentary and storytelling enliven the duo’s performances. Hailed as a “violinist of enviable gifts” by a Chicago Sun-Times music critic, **Sara Su Jones** was the 2022 winner of the American Prize (instrumental soloist) and has been a featured soloist on WFMT, WBEZ, and BBC Radio. A top prizewinner in competitions in both the US and UK, including that of the Harvard Musical Association, Sara Su has given numerous recitals abroad, including with her partner, longtime WFMT host and pianist Dennis Moore, in London, Lisbon, and Reykjavik. She earned an A.B. (Economics) and J.D., both with honors from Harvard, where she served for three years as concertmaster of the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra. Sara Su worked as a consultant at McKinsey and as a lawyer at Ropes & Gray before founding her educational-coaching business. She performs on a violin made for her in 2017 by the Icelandic luthier Hans Johannsson. **Tatyana Stepanova** is a noted performer and teacher, praised as a “fine” and “persuasive” pianist (Chicago Tribune). A Kyiv native and graduate of the Tchaikovsky (Kyiv) and Rimsky-Korsakov (St. Petersburg) State Conservatories, she has performed with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the orchestra of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Tatyana teaches at Midwest Young Artists and has also served as a faculty accompanist at Northwestern. She is a sought-after teacher and chamber-music coach; her piano students and chamber groups have won prizes in the CSO Young Artists and Walgreens National Concerto Competitions, as well as in the Fischoff, Discover, Barnett, and M-Prize national chamber music competitions. [https://nationalcitycc.org/friday-music-at-mid-day/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnationalcitycc.org%2Ffriday-music-at-mid-day%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExRDhPOEdJcnhIT0NXaWxDbnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6M-u_x2tNkMbmPw31Ta0Ktq2_mM8uqmdWC3cxHL4afqAVf-lEz4oRb1S7-og_aem_iUjer5mw9thm3rVyA-LkzA&h=AT6lZ59rj6taqeWG13-QBP6-pQM9LOqSOvvoWbEYlpIc0uso96jskbZzC33PN0rU31v__VzOOx5yTUN28Uo_BNfljYWrE-7dsaFmBfwknJ3cqpgqGBSQuEfT4isiaubCzgzhEkFkMhEpdQADA6o&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT72X25ERQ1XgWWqa-VbCb3ceoXBk8qKQJGiPKo8M0U257nUWr3EpPN5QnQsWkBnlBEJwgBA9drX9C6dI4JYtPIt1tNDRo54bg9YKtVbemmy_X16t-9GU0qXSrAW-VhG)

Let’s enjoy a walk in beautiful Brookside Gardens and Wheaton Park! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From the parking lot of Brookside Gardens, we'll walk east into the gardens and spend around 45 minutes of pleasant wandering through the garden paths and fountains. Departing the gardens, we'll pick up the pace and enjoy a walk through the woodland paths of Wheaton Regional Park. * The walk is a modified loop of about 4.6 miles. The surface is mostly paved, with some gravel and dirt paths here and there, and only slight changes in elevation. We should be finished in around two hours. This is an easy hike. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/4x4jy79p](https://tinyurl.com/4x4jy79p) ❷ **How to get there:** From the I-495 beltway north of Washington DC between I-270 and I-95 (either direction), take exit 31A to follow MD-97/Georgia Ave toward Silver Spring/Wheaton. Follow signs for MD-97 N/Georgia Ave and drive north about 3.2 miles. Turn right onto Randolph Road, and take the second right onto Glenallan Avenue. Brookside Gardens will be on your right at Heurich Road. (Follow signs to the Visitor Center.) See [https://goo.gl/maps/WHERgb5tyJ12](https://goo.gl/maps/WHERgb5tyJ12) NB: Be on the lookout for speed cameras, especially along Randolph Road! ❸ **What to bring:** Water and comfy shoes. Sorry, only service animals are allowed in Brookside Gardens, so your furry friend must stay home. A light jacket and sunscreen are recommended. It's early, but insect repellent may be handy. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 66F, with a 20-24% chance of showers. Winds 4-6 mph from the WSW. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/yaewwwbt](https://tinyurl.com/yaewwwbt) ❺ **Advisories:** * As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. * Please review Brookside Garden's Etiquette page for a list of do's and don'ts: [https://tinyurl.com/2cjht3h6](https://tinyurl.com/2cjht3h6) ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms at the Visitor Center, the Conservatory, the Nature Center, and just north of the carousel in Wheaton Regional Park. ❼ **Notes:** * Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902. [http://tinyurl.com/gqxstyb](http://tinyurl.com/gqxstyb) *H/T to Abby for the event photo!*

Open to public: Friday, 5/15/26: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 5/16/26: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by OSU The 2026 Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser Location: Lawn area south of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center 2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 Spring Plant Sale Spring into greenery at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens! Join us for our annual Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser and dive into a lush world of botanical delights. With over 16,000 fresh, exotic, and time-tested edible and ornamental plants, there's something for every green thumb! Experience the thrill of our tree and shrub auctions, where you can bid on unique specimens to enhance your garden sanctuary. Step into our Learning Lab, where engaging educational demonstrations on various garden topics will unfold throughout the three-day sale, enriching your knowledge and inspiring your green endeavors. Take part in an exciting, live auction offered each day, as well as a silent auction on Thursday and Friday. Explore vendor booths brimming with gardening essentials and delightful treasures. And while you shop 'til you drop, indulge in delectable treats from a delicious, local food truck. Proceeds from this event go directly to The Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum, student organizations, and local businesses alike. Come one, come all! Let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together. Credit/debit cards only.

Nature Printing with Gelli Plate Thursday May 21, 2026 Join local artist Diana Andrews to explore the process of gelli plates. This hands-on, creative experience is suitable for all skill levels, focusing on creating unique monoprints without a traditional printing press. All materials will be provided, but participants are asked to bring additional leaves. Class Fee - $30 6PM - 8PM Location: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park Register and pay here: [https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/269/May-2026](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/269/May-2026)

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!

Community Backyards Workshop Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) * Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 * Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM * Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

SAVE THE DATE! POLLINATOR PATHWAY + LICKING LAND TRUST Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 30, 2026 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon Granville Farmers Market Raccoon Valley Park 1225 River Road | Granville Plant package pre-order available as of 6-May at this link [https://lickinglandtrust.org/store/plant-sale](https://lickinglandtrust.org/store/plant-sale) Sun, Shade and Native Tea garden packages available

Stop by the Licking County Master Gardener Volunteers’ (MGVs) table at the Farmers Market to pick up your free Veggie plant of the month to add (or start!) your vegetable garden. The little plants come with instructions and tips. Have other garden related questions? Bring your questions to one of the MGVs in the green shirts. ******************* Newark Grows 1st & 3rd Friday, May 1-Oct. 2 Our Booth at the Canal Farmers Market 4pm- 7pm 36 E. Canal Street, Newark JOIN US AT THE CANAL MARKET DISTRICT FARMERS MARKET IN NEWARK, May – October (First and third Fridays of the month) Free plants, seeds, and gardening information! May 1 Buttercrunch Lettuce May 15 Double Curled Parsley June 5 Mark Twain Tomato June 19 Aconcagua Elongated Sweet Pepper July 3 Market Closed for 4th of July Weekend July 17 Silver Slicer Cucumber August 7 Wizard Coleus August 21 German Thyme September 4 Sweet Bunch non heading Broccoli September 18 Strike Shell Pea October 2 Garlic No RSVP needed- just show up and enjoy the market! See you there!